Spanish King and Queen Visit Chiva Amid Applause and Protests Against Mazón

Spanish King and Queen Visit Chiva Amid Applause and Protests Against Mazón

More than two weeks after riots in Paiporta forced the cancellation of the visit, the Spanish King and Queen resumed their tour of areas affected by the DANA storm on Tuesday. In Chiva, outside the town hall, around 300 residents welcomed King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia with chants of "Long live the King" and "Long live the Queen." Carlos Mazón, president of the Generalitat (regional government), who was present during the tour, also heard isolated shouts demanding his resignation. The absence of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, traveling to the G-20 summit in Brazil, marked a difference from November 3, when Sánchez had to leave Paiporta after just 20 minutes amid thrown objects.

What Peine in Paiporta and Why the Visit Was Postponed

On November 3, the monarchs were scheduled to visit Chiva, but clashes in Paiporta—where protests against Sánchez and Mazón turned into riots—forced the postponement. The Royal Household and competent authorities decided to wait until security conditions were met. On Tuesday, the route was prepared with maximum discretion to prevent dangerous situations from recurring. Pilar Bernabé, Government Delegate in Valencia; Ángel Víctor Torres, Minister of Territorial Policy; and the President of the Generalitat accompanied the monarchs.

Chiva, Utiel, and Letur: Three Stops to Measure the Tragedy

In Chiva, eight of the municipality's 16,700 inhabitants died. The ravine crossing the town overflowed, causing streets to disappear and some buildings to be completely flooded. The city council has already identified 34 properties requiring total or partial demolition. After Chiva, the monarchs moved to Utiel, the first town affected by the Magro River overflowing, which claimed six lives. The final stop was Letur, in Albacete, where another six people died and the historic center collapsed. They were accompanied by Emiliano García-Page, President of Castilla-La Mancha, and Isabel Rodríguez, Minister of Housing.

Residents' Reaction: Respect for the Crown, Criticism of Mazón

Residents gathered in Chiva's Constitution Square were critical of Mazón's presence but distinguished their treatment of the King and Queen. "He shouldn't have come; someone who leads us has done this to us... If he came alone, we'd eat him alive. But he comes with them, and these cheers are for them," said one resident. This scene contrasted with Paiporta, where the entourage was met with mud and shoving. Some argue that Sánchez's absence allowed the visit to proceed without serious incidents.

Political Tug-of-War: Who Capitalizes on the Visit

The day peine the clash between those who see the visit as an image boost for the central government and those who believe the Generalitat is exposed by its emergency management. Some argue that Mazón's presence alongside the monarchs seeks an image wash after criticism. Opponents highlight that Sánchez has not returned to the affected area since November 3 and that his absence weakens his position in this second visit. Meanwhile, the Generalitat appointed Lieutenant General Francisco José Gan Pampols as Vice President for Recovery after the DANA.

The Role of the Crown: Constant Presence and Agenda Focused on DANA

For three weeks, the catastrophe has been the priority on the monarchs' agenda. King Felipe VI attended crisis committee meetings and visited troops deployed in Valencia last week. Queen Letizia held two working meetings with social entities to request continuous attention for victims. In her last public speech, Felipe VI asked that "institutions and society act in unison, focusing on helping victims and rebuilding affected areas."

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The startling data: 34 buildings in Chiva have already been declared for total or partial demolition. The number will continue to grow. Meanwhile, politics continues as usual.